Biosecurity in equine dental practice is an essential component of maintaining the health of equine patients, veterinarians, and supporting personnel. Despite routine dental procedures being perceived as low risk, emerging evidence highlights that even clinically healthy horses can shed potentially pathogenic microorganisms, with approximately 25% acting as carriers. This reality underscores the need for stringent infection control measures to minimize the transmission of infectious agents and safeguard both animal and human health. The equine oral cavity is a complex microbiome, hosting a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, some of which have zoonotic potential. Routine dental procedures, including floating, extractions, and periodontal treatments, often involve close contact with mucous membranes and exposure to blood, saliva, and organic debris. Consequently, the potential for cross-contamination via hands, instruments, and environmental surfaces is significant. Inadequate infection control practices can lead to pathogen transmission, creating risks for post-procedure infections and broader outbreaks within equine facilities.

Principles of Infection Control in Equine Dentistry
Infection control in equine dental practice involves several key principles:
1. Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
a. Proper hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention. Handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers significantly reduces microbial load.
b. The use of gloves, face masks, and protective eyewear minimizes direct exposure to potentially infectious agents.
2. Disinfection of Instruments and Equipment
a. Effective sterilization and disinfection protocols are vital for dental instruments.
b. Ultrasonic and enzymatic cleaning solutions can enhance the removal of organic debris before chemical disinfection.
c. Ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization has been recognized as an efficient adjunct method for equipment decontamination.
3. Environmental Hygiene
a. Regular cleaning and disinfection of examination areas, treatment tables, and equipment storage zones are crucial to prevent environmental contamination.
b. Appropriate ventilation and humidity control help reduce airborne transmission of pathogens such as equine herpesvirus (EHV) and equine influenza virus (EIV).
4. Barrier Protection and Patient Segregation
a. The use of disposable drapes and covers for dental instruments can prevent cross-contamination.
b. Where possible, horses with suspected infectious diseases should be isolated from routine dental patients to limit the spread of pathogens.
5. Antimicrobial Stewardship and Responsible Use of Disinfectants
a. Overuse of antimicrobial agents can lead to resistance, necessitating careful selection of disinfectants based on their efficacy and safety.
b. Prolonged exposure to disinfectants has been associated with bacterial resistance and biofilm formation, highlighting the need for appropriate application techniques.  

The Role of Subclinical Carriers in Disease Transmission
Recent studies have shown that approximately 22% of healthy horses undergoing routine dental care test positive for respiratory pathogens such as EHV-1, EHV-4, EIV, and methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA). Additionally, 89% of cases harbor commensal respiratory pathogens, indicating a persistent risk of pathogen transmission even in the absence of clinical signs. This necessitates rigorous biosecurity measures during all dental procedures to reduce the spread of infections within equine populations.

Conclusion
Equine dental practitioners must integrate comprehensive biosecurity protocols into daily practice to mitigate the risks of infection. The adoption of stringent hand hygiene, appropriate PPE, meticulous instrument disinfection, and environmental control measures will enhance patient safety and reduce nosocomial infections. By acknowledging the role of subclinical carriers and implementing evidence-based infection control strategies, equine dental professionals can uphold the highest standards of biosecurity and contribute to overall equine health and welfare.